The Kingdom of God is made of doors hinged upon the inside-out-ness of love: to bring in what is without and to let out what is within. My hope is that, as we continue to discover our identity in Christ, we will consider swinging upon similar hinges. ~Rob Foley

I have been using scripture to discipline my young daughter. When she messes up I share a verse that shows her how she went against God’s word. It sometimes seems to have the opposite effect of what I hoped.

I woke up at 2 a.m. Now, I’m not a 2 a.m. or even a 5 a.m. kind of girl. If I wake up, it’s not because I’m an early riser.

I had went to bed troubled. The task in front of me seemed impossible. I was to speak at an event but leave the God factor out of it.

It seemed like a big obstacle. Because the God factor is the foundation of the transformation and healing I’ve received. If I spoke about the practical (important), or the how-to without sharing what Christ had done, it’s only a tenth of the story.

As I rested in bed, staring at the ceiling God whispered a word: Zaccheus.

So I climbed out of the warm covers and snuggled in a chair and flipped open the Bible. Within a few short paragraphs the anxiousness slipped away. [Read more…]

I’ve become accustomed to living among people who, even if they don’t believe, they have heard about Christ.

It’s become normal to worship with people whose lives were transformed by their relationship with Christ.

I’ve seen alcoholics turn to faith in God instead of addiction. I’ve seen joy in the upturned faces of those who worship their Heavenly Father. I’ve seen real faith, the type of faith that transcends church or religion into purpose.

And somehow I failed to realize what an immense gift I have been given. To see that. To encounter it. To worship with others who believe the way I do.

But more so, I wonder if I’ve underestimated the immense privilege I have to share the “good news” with those who haven’t heard. Or who see Christianity as just another religion, or fanaticism, or a faith for those who just need something to believe in. [Read more…]

Today I’m in The Netherlands, a tired, jet-lagged girl from a long journey on the plane. I’m totally outside my comfort zone as God has opened doors for ministry in several cities across The Netherlands, Austria, and Italy with Hearts at Home International.

It’s definitely one of those moments where you feel God asking you to jump into deeper waters and trust Him.

So, do we sink or do we swim?

I want to swim. Even when I’m out of my comfort zone. Even when the task seems both wonderful and daunting.

Let’s look together at some things that help when we feel we might sink. . .

I’m nervous (with people and social settings) and worrisome person at times. I am learning to trust God and take risks that may lead me closer to Him and to others who know Him. I’m glad I was led to Proverbs 31 Ministries and then to your blog this week, and the devo on The Strong One. I need God to be the Strong One for me.

Anon

Dear friend,

I get it. I really do. When I was younger I also grappled with anxiety. Maybe someone could have told me the source, but I needed more than that. I wanted to be the real me… the non-anxious Suzie that I knew was inside.

I realized that there were gaps in my life that only God could fill. It took time, but slowly I was transformed from a young woman who was anxious to a woman who was comfortable in her own skin, and who rested in the fact that God saw beautiful things in His creation.

It was like an unending series of birthdays as God revealed gifts that only He could see, and the tools to take those gifts and use them for His purpose.

Far from perfect. But filled with an easy confidence that replaced the anxiety. Understanding that all people are a work in progress. Giving grace. Receiving grace in my own areas that were still under construction.

May I pray with you today?

Father, I pray that your daughter begins to sense the vast depths of your trustworthiness, how you fill the gaps when we aren’t sure of our own strength. Thank you that you did this for me. I totally understand what she’s saying, and yet I received your confidence and security in those places that needed more than I could give on my own. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

When I was a little girl I loved nothing more than climbing in the branches of a backyard tree and hiding away. I read books there, slipping into a world of characters and story. I hung upside down with my knees locked securely over a branch and swung in the wind.

When I became a woman I realized the power of another tree. It was my family tree, gnarled and fractured for generations before me. I prayed for a strong, fruitful branch to grow so that my babies would laugh, feel secure, and grow up in a home that was stable and filled with love.

Growing a new branch of your family tree doesn’t start at the roots. You can’t go back and fix what is already so deeply embedded, but you graft in a new branch, and no matter how long it’s been there, fresh growth will appear.

What are the things that hurt you as a child? Have you carried those into the next generation, even if in a different form? Prune those branches.

And watch it grow, shading the next generation with it’s healthy leaves.

To live free: Prune from your life those things that once hurt you. Don’t pass them down to another generation.

Scripture: Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

Just You and God: It’s easy to be honest about what someone did to hurt you, but be honest with yourself as well. Did you hate chaos, but yell at your children? Did you hate addiction, but use substances to numb your emotions? Show your Heavenly Father the places where you desire to grow and heal.

Welcome

Hey friends,

​I'm so glad you dropped in. I'm Suzie Eller, an ordinary girl with a huge dream. My heart is to encourage women to live free in every area of their lives, but not alone.

​​Living Free together! is a community of women ​of faith from ​all over the world​. We are standing shoulder to shoulder. My prayer is that this is a place of encouragement for you. We'll hold honest conversations. We'll pray together. We'll grow together.

Come on in. Make yourself at home. Grab your coffee, or your tea, or that awesome smoothie, and take a place around the table. I can't wait to get to know you better.

​Welcome to Living Free together!

Suzie

More Than Small Talk

Join me, Holley Gerth, Jennifer Watson each month for a live broadcast, More Than Small Talk.